Organs affected in rheumatoid arthritis

by Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR

Nathan Wei is a nationally known board-certified rheumatologist and author of the Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit. It's available exclusively at this website... not available in stores.

Click here: Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit

Rheumatoid arthritis is not solely a disease of joint destruction. It can involve almost all organs.

A life-threatening joint complication can occur when the cervical spine becomes unstable as a result of RA.

Rheumatoid vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) is a serious , potentially life-threatening complication of RA. It can lead to skin ulcerations and infections, bleeding stomach ulcers, and nerve problems that cause pain, numbness, or tingling. Vasculitis may also affect the brain, nerves, and heart, which can cause stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.

RA may cause the the outer lining of the heart to swell (pericarditis) and cause heart complications. Inflammation of heart muscle, called myocarditis, can also develop. Both of these conditions can lead to congestive heart failure.

The treatments for RA can also cause serious side effects. If you experience any side effects, immediately tell your health care provider.

Specific Organs Affected by RA

Skin
Rheumatoid nodules in 50% of RA patients; dermal vasculitic lesions

Eyes
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, episcleritis, scleritis

Lungs
Interstitial lung disease common, but may be asymptomatic

Heart
Pericardial effusion present in almost 50% of patients, but clinical symptoms are rare.

Nervous system
Results from cervical spine instability, peripheral nerve entrapment, and vasculitis resulting in mononeuritis multiplex.

Blood
Hypochromatic-microcytic anemia with low serum ferritin and low or normal iron-binding capacity almost universal in patients with active RA.

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